Where To Stay in Perth: The Lane Holiday Villa
Last month, my family and I returned to Perth to celebrate my graduation, and during our stay, we found ourselves in this remarkable accommodation. I must admit, this particular place captured my heart even more than the previous apartment I stayed in during my previous trip to Perth. It's funny how I always seem to kick off my travel stories by going into the details of the accommodation, but I rely heavily on the reviews and experiences shared by others to guide my decision-making process. That's why I find great joy in sharing my own stay experiences, knowing that they might help fellow travelers like myself in their quest for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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After my previous visit to Perth, I knew that when I return, I want to explore a different area of the city. After thinking it over, I decided that it would be great for my family to stay near Fremantle. I really liked the neighbourhood's charm, and I knew that my family would feel the same way. As I looked for a place to stay on this trip, I focused on three important factors: how much it would cost, where it was located, and how many beds it had.
After a couple of searches, I came across this gem:
I picked out a few houses that I thought my family would enjoy and shared them with everyone. After discussing and considering our options, we all agreed on this particular one. And just like that, our accommodation was sorted!
The Hosts
Catherine and Michael were the kindest hosts I've ever met, seriously. They responded quickly, were very accommodating, and went above and beyond to ensure their guests had the best experience. On our first night, we had a power outage due to a faulty adapter. We reached out to them on Airbnb chat, and Michael arrived at the house within 5-10 minutes. He checked on everyone and arranged for an electrician to come in the morning. He even offered to cover the cost of the service. The next morning, Michael and the electrician fixed the issue while respecting our privacy.
On the night before check-out, we asked for a late check-out, and Catherine kindly agreed since the house wasn't booked for the day. From the beginning of our communication to the end, they were always ready to help. I hope Airbnb recognizes Catherine and Michael as super hosts because they truly deserve it.
The Location
Compared to the apartment I stayed in during my previous trip to Perth, this one has a much better location. We did not rent a car while in Perth so where we stayed played a really huge part to the overall success of our trip. This airbnb is located in Mosman Park, which is right in the middle of all the places we planned to visit.
You can easily book a private transfer from Perth Airport to the accommodation, or take the train to Mosman Park Train Station, which was only a 7-minute walk away! It may not be ideal for those who prefer staying in the city center, but it was perfect for our itinerary. We relied on public transport to get around, so having the station so close was really convenient.
The Neighbourhood
Mosman Park is a quiet and cozy suburb with a pleasant atmosphere. Since it's not in the city, there isn't a lot of traffic or buses around, but there are still enough amenities to keep us entertained. I can't reveal the exact address to respect the hosts' privacy, but there is a row of pubs and restaurants nearby for those who enjoy drinking. Walking to the train station every morning brings us so much joy. Fazwan and I often fantasize about moving here permanently, hehe. Oh, and there's a spacious Coles store just two houses away from our apartment. It's incredibly convenient for us to buy groceries, and Fazwan even surprised me with a graduation bouquet from there!
I have to say, every corner here is so Instagram-worthy and perfect for outfit photos! In Singapore, I usually don't feel like taking pictures and getting dressed up, but being here has changed that. The weather definitely plays a big role, and it became our morning routine to capture some great shots. Even Fazwan and Syam got into it and started taking their own outfit photos. Hahaha, that's something you don't see every day!
Even though we didn't have a car, it's worth noting that there is designated parking space available for 1-2 cars right in front of the house. However, it's important to mention that accessing the house involves navigating a slight slope when walking from the main road. While this wasn't a concern for us during our stay, it's something to consider if you have elderly family members or individuals with mobility issues joining you on the trip. Taking this into account can help ensure their comfort and ease of movement during your stay.
The House
Having read numerous stories about Airbnb nightmares in the past, I've become quite cautious when it comes to selecting accommodations. One way I assess the honesty of homeowners is by comparing the images they upload on their listing with the actual condition of the house. In this case, the photos above were provided on their Airbnb listing, while the photos below were taken by us during our stay. I must say, I was relieved to see that the house looked exactly like it did in the photos. It's always a positive experience when the listing lives up to its portrayal, and it gives me confidence in the transparency and reliability of the hosts.
Upon our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised by the level of equipment and amenities available in the house. In fact, the size of the house exceeded our expectations! It provided ample space for relaxation and comfortable lounging, with various cozy spots to unwind. It's evident that every aspect of the house was carefully considered to cater to the needs of its occupants.
We were delighted to find WiFi access, an air conditioner for those warmer days, a radiator to keep us warm during winter, and an extra set of keys for convenience. While the WiFi connection in the bedrooms was occasionally intermittent, likely due to the walls interfering with the signal, it worked quite well when we were streaming Netflix in the main living room. Overall, the house was well-equipped and provided a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Here are some additional snapshots showcasing different areas of the apartment. We made good use of the flat screen TV, which conveniently came with an HDMI cable, allowing us to stream Netflix from my brother's laptop. The shelves were adorned with books, adding a touch of coziness, and there were also travel brochures available to assist us with any spontaneous planning. The dining table provided a comfortable space for our group of four to enjoy meals together. Additionally, we discovered a starter pack SIM card, thoughtfully provided by the hosts, although we didn't need to utilize it. It was a thoughtful gesture that demonstrated their attention to detail and their desire to make our stay as pleasant as possible.
I often found myself in a serene state, sitting by the table, attempting to work on my blog while savoring a steaming cup of coffee. It was such a tranquil way to ease into the morning, a rare luxury that I seldom experience on weekdays. The peaceful ambiance allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty of a leisurely morning, free from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Kitchen
Now let's check out the lovely kitchen that my mother absolutely adored. It had everything we needed for cooking: a big fridge, an electric stove, an oven, a microwave, a dishwasher, a toaster, a kettle, and plenty of utensils and dishes. The boys were especially thrilled with the mini grill they found, which they happily used to toast their waffles. It was quite a sight to see their excitement as they made their favorite breakfast treat. I’m definitely keeping this as a reference for my future home’s kitchen.
Check out the before and after photos of our fridge! On the first night we arrived, it was neatly organized and empty. But as the days went by, it got filled up with groceries from the nearby Coles outlet. We couldn't resist the temptation of shopping for food in a foreign country. It's like we were under a spell or something! Does anyone else experience this irresistible urge to buy groceries while traveling? It's a funny problem to have! 😂
The Washroom
The bathroom in this apartment follows the same layout as the previous one I stayed in Perth, with the toilet and shower in separate areas. I've noticed that this is common in Australia. The bathroom has all the essentials for showering and a water heater. However, for fellow Asians who are used to having a water hose, we had to get creative. We ended up using a long gardening hose from outside the house as a makeshift solution. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? 😂
There is also a laundry room equipped with a washing machine and an ironing board. While there wasn't a dryer available, we managed by using the outdoor clothes drying rack and air-dried our laundry. Each bedroom had its own closet with sorting spaces, which was really convenient, especially since we stayed for 10 days and my fiancé is quite particular about keeping things organized. It worked out well for us!
The Bedrooms
There are three bedrooms in the apartment, with a total of four beds - two queen beds and two single beds. Interestingly, this means that the apartment can actually accommodate more than four people! However, it was perfectly comfortable for the four of us. Fazwan and I slept in the single beds, while my mum and brother each had their own room. Although I didn't capture many photos, I want to mention that each room had a closet, a fan, and extra pillows and towels provided for our convenience. While there wasn't any notable view from the apartment, we still enjoyed our stay.
The Outdoor Patio
Finally, let's not forget about the delightful outdoor patio. Unfortunately, we didn't have the opportunity to make use of it as we often returned home after sunset, and the winter chill made it less inviting. However, I can imagine how lovely it must be in the morning. I noticed there's even a barbecue grill available for guests to use, which would have been perfect for hosting a summer barbecue. Maybe next time!
What we didn’t like:
The only downside of this Airbnb space was the absence of a water hose, which is a common feature in Asian households. However, we managed to improvise and overcome this minor inconvenience. Apart from that, our stay was wonderful, and it didn't significantly impact our overall experience.
What we liked:
I absolutely adored this Airbnb space! The attention to detail, such as the fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and cozy living area, made it feel like a home away from home. The host's thoughtfulness and sincerity added an extra touch of hospitality. Despite not being able to enjoy the outdoor patio, I could envision its potential for delightful moments. Overall, this Airbnb space made my stay in Perth a memorable and enjoyable experience.
We had an absolutely fantastic time in Perth, and our accommodation played a crucial role in making our trip memorable. Staying at this place was a delight, and it truly exceeded our expectations. Catherine and Michael, the hosts, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment throughout our stay. If you're considering booking this wonderful space, I highly recommend it. You can find the listing here!
All information displayed are accurate at the time of posting. This review was not written under any pressure, endorsement or sponsorship of any of the parties mentioned, and was written under my own initiative. Kindly contact me first if you wish to re-share what you see here.
